Hardlanding: Kingdom of Secrets

·11·

"Are you gonna just stand there, or are you going to help me?"

The man peered at his partner dangling on the cliff. "I climbed up just fine, and I don't do half the amount of training you do, or have the strength like you. You'll be fine."

"Dawn! Jeez, lighten up and help a brutha out! Who pissed in your breakfast this morning?" The other replied as he hefted himself up. 

"If I remember correctly, you left it sitting next to a tree and a bird found it as a lovely place to drop a present." Dawn replied as the two continued walking. 

"Oh," he winced. "I mean it was a joke, I didn't know an animal actually decided to use your food as a toilet."

"Ah, Nathan, that's where your wrong. I was also joking." Dawn replied with a smirk.

"Sefire! That was dirty, but I'm glad your getting better at jokes," Nathan grinned as he patted Dawn's back. 

The two grew quiet as they continued through the woods. Running a hand through his hair, Nathan looked at Dawn before sighing. 

"You think they'll be OK?" 

Dawn frowned, glancing at the male out of the corner of his eye. "Define 'they.' There are many different people to worry about, all with different situations." 

Nathan scowled as a growl rumbled in his chest. "My Sestial! Don, Davis and Bryan! Everyone we can't find! I just. . .I'm supposed to be one of the Lead Tacticians, I'm supposed to help keep everyone safe! Instead, the base was attacked and destiod, and-"

"Eh," Dawn interrupted as he stopped and faced Nathan, placing a hand on his chest. "You don't need to worry about your sister, nor Don. Those two took care of themselves long before they joined, and their also one of the high rankings. If there's anyone who's perfect for this mission, it's those two. Besides, I'd imagine since we know that they have Davis and Bryan, Don and Nightinggale already know."

Dawn turned before continuing. "Knowing them, they've already come up with a plan with the help of the Sky Media Trio."

~~~~~~

Don gripped the small journal in his hands tightly. Nightinggale continued pacing, muttering things under her breath. 

"We can form a distraction with Sky Media. They can break into the dungeon during one of the rest days. We go back to the academy during those right? All of the injured are taken back. I'd imagine that the students skilled in mahi and other things will be sent towards the commotion."

"We would have to split their team. Two act as if their attacking the king, the other goes for the dungeon. Both make a big commotion. Meanwhile, You, Sky, and your pack can take on the two heading for the king while UNi, Ashlie, and  go for the one at the dungeon." Don added.

"I have an even better idea." Ashlie spoke up, catching their attention. "You mentioned one of the trio, The Vactor, has the ability to make up to six more copies of himself? That would give you a total of nine people to work with. Three teams, three different goals. Each group two clones and one of the members, you can target the dungeon, the king, and the hexes he uses to control everyone."

"He will be alerted when the totems are attacked, and you can't just kick them over, you have to untie the knot in the middle carefully. But if we can get the totems, he doesn't have an army to fight back." UNi continued, hints of a smirk on his face.

"But what are we going to do?"

"I'm glad you asked. Our cover has most likely been blown, that was made evident when Don was dragged underground. I want to greet an old friend."